prescriptive

 
Pronunciation: /prɪˈskrɪptɪv/

adjective

  • 1relating to the imposition or enforcement of a rule or method: these guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive
  • Linguistics attempting to impose rules of correct usage on the users of a language: a prescriptive grammar bookOften contrasted with descriptive.
  • 2(of a right, title, or institution) having become legally established or accepted by long usage or the passage of time: a prescriptive right of way
  • archaic arising from long-standing custom or usage: for her own mother she felt no more than a prescriptive affection

Derivatives

prescriptively

adverb

prescriptiveness

noun

prescriptivism

noun

prescriptivist

noun & adjective

Origin:

mid 18th century: from late Latin praescriptivus 'relating to a legal exception', from praescript- 'directed in writing', from the verb praescribere (see prescribe)